No new Trial for Lawyer convicted in Bribery Case

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) _ A Superior Court judge won't grant a new trial for a criminal defense lawyer convicted of bribing a man authorities say had been stabbed by one of the lawyer's clients.

The Providence Journal reports Judge Robert Krause said Gerard Donley presented the jury with "specious'' and "wholly unbelievable'' explanations for why he arranged $6,000 in payments to Michael Drepaul.

Donley was convicted last month on charges of bribery, obstruction of justice and conspiracy.

Drepaul's girlfriend testified during trial she received money from Donley that she believed was in exchange for Drepaul's cooperation not to testify against Donley's client, Jamaal Dublin.

Donley testified he was trying to prevent more violence when he paid the money, and said it meant to compensate Drepaul for his injuries.